Cannabinoids

How and why this group of compounds is changing the way we think about medicine

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Of over 480 different compounds present in the plant, only around 85 are termed cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids work by replicating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, which activate to preserve internal stability and health. Simply put, they facilitate communication between cells, and when there is a deficiency with our endocannabinoid system, negative symptoms and physical difficulties occur.

When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids bind to receptor sites on cells throughout our brain (receptors called CB-1) and body (CB-2). Different cannabinoids have different effects depending on which receptors they bind to. For example, THC binds to receptors in the brain whereas CBN (cannabinol) has a strong affinity for CB-2 receptors located throughout the body. By targeting the correct cannabinoid at the correct receptors, different forms of relief are attainable. This process within our bodies is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

More about Canabinoids

Every living mammal has an endo-cannabinoid system (ECS). Studies show that this system helps regulate the body's cell cycles, organ functions and nervous system by acting as a bridge between brain function and states of physical health and disease. The regulatory ECS is composed of receptors in our bodies that interact with naturally occurring [...]

What is Decarboxylation? Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction by which carboxylic acid is removed from the cannabinoid compounds of cannabis as CO2, as shown above. This reverses the first step of photosynthesis in a plant, called carboxylation, the means by which CO2 from the atmosphere is added to these compounds. If cannabinoid compounds aren't decarboxylated [...]

What are CB-2 Receptors? Discovered in 1993 by researchers at Cambridge University looking for a second receptor that could explain the therapeutic properties of THC, the CB-2 Receptor has since played a vital role in scientific study on the importance of the endocannabinoid system and its agonists. Despite being closely related to its CB-1 counterpart, [...]

What are CB-1 Receptors? The CB-1 receptor is one of a known number of cannabinoid receptors located in the human body. Discovered in the late 1980's, these receptors, along with endocannabinoids can assist in a number of functions in our body, including stabilizing heart conditions, controlling brain activity, regulating the immune system and much more. The natural [...]

What is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)? Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is very similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the respect that their chemical structure is almost identical, but the procedure involved in their conception and the variation of effects are quite different. Unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabichromene (CBC), THCV doesn’t begin as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Instead of combining with olivetolic [...]

What is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive and most renowned ingredient in marijuana and, depending on the particular plant, either THC or cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana. First discovered by Israeli Scientists in the early 1960's, THC is the most researched, analysed and effective cannabinoid in the spectrum [...]

CBN, also known as Cannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid closely related to THC. Cannabinol has some affinity with CB1 receptors but works most efficiently with CB2 receptors, often working as an immunosuppressant. This has led many experts to believe that CBN can help with an over functioning immune system, thus beneficial for diseases such as [...]

Cannabidivarin, also known as CBDV, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in minor amounts in the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. A recently discovered cannabinoid, CBDV has been the subject of much research into its potential therapeutic properties: A study led by GW Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with the University of Reading suggested cannabidivarin strongly suppressed seizures in six different [...]

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)? CBD is one of over 80+ compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually the most recognised and studied. CBD and THC levels often vary between different strains and varieties of cannabis. By using selective techniques, breeders have managed [...]

What is Cannabicyclol (CBL)? Cannabicyclol (CBL) is a non-psychotomimetic cannabinoid found in the Cannabis species. CBL is a degradative product like cannabinol. Light converts cannabichromene to CBL. Hidden in the shadows of other more prevalent cannabinoids, CBL is found in extremely small doses in cannabis plants and has been infrequently studied. Its positive medical values have [...]